Letters of Reference:

From Whom: Letters should be submitted by college/university faculty or industry supervisors who can make a learned assessment of the research ability, potential, and academic record of the applicant.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

Applicants must complete an advanced Biology course and at least one year of Chemistry and/or Biochemistry.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A master's degree is not required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A baccalaureate degree in the Biological or Chemical Sciences is appropriate for admission.

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals, which should not exceed two pages in length, should include your interest in the Molecular Biology and Genetics M.S. Program at Temple; your research experience; your academic background and achievements; your research interests; and your future career goals.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE is required. Scores are expected to be above the 50th percentile for the quantitative, verbal, and analytical sections.

Interview:

If the Department deems it necessary, applicants for the thesis option are brought in for interviews.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Advanced Standing:

Graduate coursework taken at an accredited institution prior to matriculation and graded "B" or higher may be accepted toward a Temple University master's degree. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Test Waivers:

Students who have earned an advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry may waive, upon review by the Admissions Committee, requirements for admission.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:

Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 28 - 36

Students choose between two options. The thesis option requires completion of 28 credits. The non-thesis option requires 36 credits.

THESIS OPTION:

The M.S. thesis option is a research-based program that requires 21 credits of didactic courses, 6 credits of M.S. research, and 1 credit of M.S. Thesis for a total of 28 credits. M.S. thesis students complete coursework in three semesters (9 credits per semester) and then matriculate for 1 M.S. Thesis credit in the fourth semester. M.S. students are expected to defend their thesis during the fourth semester. If needed, extensions to complete research work and defend the thesis are granted for up to two additional semesters.

The master's thesis is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing database and demonstrate the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of her/his primary area of interest. The Master’s Thesis should be rigorously investigated; uphold the ethics and standards of the field; and demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field. Students are encouraged to prepare their study for publication in a professional journal.

The M.S. Thesis Advisory Committee is formed to oversee the student's M.S. research and is initially comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members who are resident in the Molecular Biology Program. The Chair of the M.S. Thesis Advisory Committee is usually the Research Advisor. Committee composition must be approved by the Academic Standards Committee and the Program Director. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress; coordinating the responses of the Committee members; and informing the student of her/his academic progress. The Committee must meet at least once every six months to review the progress of the student's research.

The M.S. Thesis Examining Committee evaluates the student's thesis and oral defense. This committee determines if the thesis is acceptable and if the student passes the final oral examination. It is comprised of the M.S. Thesis Advisory Committee and may include an additional member. It is encouraged that this member be from outside the Molecular Biology Program.

If a student needs to change a member of a committee, the new member must be approved by the Academic Standards Committee and the Program Director. The new member must be registered with the Graduate Secretary and the Graduate School.

The M.S. Thesis Examining Committee evaluates the student's ability to express verbally her/his research question, methodological approach, primary findings, and implications. This committee votes to pass or fail the M.S. Thesis and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation.

All M.S. Thesis Examining Committee members must have a copy of the thesis in its final form at least two weeks before the defense. The student has the responsibility to announce the date, time, and place of the defense. A notice should be given to each faculty member in the Department and posted in each of the four basic science buildings on the Health Sciences campus (Old Medical School, Medical Research Building, Kresge, and Allied Health Building). The Graduate School also receives the announcement of the defense. The defense announcements should be posted and delivered at least 10 working days before the defense.

NON-THESIS OPTION

Master’s Examination:

Following successful completion of the coursework and a comprehensive examination, students may be awarded a M.S. degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics. A student may take the master's comprehensive examination, in whole or in part, no more than twice.

About the Program

The M.S. program in Molecular Biology and Genetics at the School of Medicine is an interdisciplinary program directed by the faculty of the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology. The program is designed to prepare students who seek specialization in specific areas of Molecular Biology and Genetics or wish to obtain training and expertise for employment in academic, government, clinical, or pharmaceutical laboratories.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years

Campus Location:

Health Sciences

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered before 4:30 p.m.

Interdisciplinary Study:

The graduate program is an interdisciplinary program directed by the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology with participation of scientists from other departments, including Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Pathology.

Affiliation(s):

Not applicable.

Study Abroad:

No.

Ranking:

Not applicable.

Accreditation:

Not applicable.

Areas of Specialization:

Faculty members specialize in molecular signaling as it regulates cell growth; differentiation and survival; and developmental biology and genetics. The M.S. degree allows students entering the program to gain advanced knowledge in Molecular Biology and Genetics. The thesis option provides students with the opportunity to develop research expertise.

Job Placement:

The directors and faculty advisors in the graduate program develop a course and research program tailored to the individual needs and professional goals of each M.S. thesis student. The M.S. degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics prepares students for professional careers in industry, government, and/or academic laboratories.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Non-matriculated students are permitted to take select courses offered by the program. Contact the Department for details.

Financing Opportunities

THESIS OPTION:

Students are not obligated to perform any tasks unrelated to their M.S. thesis. They must, however, undertake required coursework and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students in the M.S. program performing thesis research are typically responsible for tuition and living expenses. In rare circumstances, the M.S. thesis advisor has placed the student on a grant, thereby providing tuition remission and a stipend. We cannot guarantee this will occur, as it is solely dependent on the discretion of the advisor. Students must complete coursework while devoting time to their thesis research project.